Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is the city’s first five-star hotel, and already, it has set the standard high for any successors. 

Just steps from the vibrant Theaterbuurt neighbourhood, the property was opened in 2022 as a direct response to a scarcity of luxury accommodation in the Belgian port hub. 

Its debut has been a long time coming; plans to convert the grounds of the 15th-century monastery began in 2017, when it caught the eye of local real estate developers, IRET. What followed was a laborious process to transform its five buildings and surrounding gardens into a luxury hotel that could rival its European counterparts, all while preserving the original structures of the medieval site. This project was no easy feat, requiring the expertise of historians and specialist architects, as well as a lot of patience to withstand pandemic-related delays. 

It celebrated its official completion this summer with the opening of the Botanic Suite, marking the final step of an eight-year-long redevelopment. Now out of the teething stages, the property has fully settled into its five-star identity with a trio of Michelin star restaurants, a multi-level spa, butler concierge and even a restored chapel. 

As I receive a tour of my suite upon arrival, my vegan self clocks a tray of dairy-free Belgian chocolates in my welcome basket. It’s at this moment I realise Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp isn’t content with being the city’s best hotel – it’s going for the national prize.

Guest rooms and suites   

It may span five acres of land, but Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp has no desire to overpopulate its square footage.

The property offers 108 spacious guest rooms, each of which has been inspired by “wabi sabi”, the Japanese aesthetic that embraces the imperfect nature of living. The result is a harmony of natural textures and soft colours; think lime-washed walls, apricot blankets and beamed ceilings. 

Room categories at Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp begin with Classic and Deluxe rooms, the latter of which offer a freestanding bathtub and separate seating area. Guests who want more space can book into the Junior or One Bedroom Suite, where they’ll be greeted by fresh flowers from the resident florist and a fully-stocked wine cabinet. 

The Spa Suite is perfect for guests who prioritise fitness or simply prefer to be pampered in full privacy. Spanning across two floors, its lower level has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a large sofa and a small kitchen with a round dining table. The second floor houses the spa, complete with a Technogym bike, whirlpool, Finnish sauna and heated treatment bed. Other highlights include an air purification system, which filters out any toxins that may disrupt your experience, and idyllic views of the chapel garden. 

A Duplex Suite for families is also available, while the Diamond Suite, which is accessible by a secret elevator, is ideal for guests who wish to keep a low-profile throughout their stay. Meanwhile, the final flourish is The Botanic Suite. With its 68 sqm rooftop terrace and private living room, this gorgeous space is most suitable for larger groups or guests who wish to entertain. 

Fine Dining  

Botanic Antwerp Sanctuary is home to a collection of Michelin-starred restaurants, all of which specialise in varying types of cuisine. 

Our first taste of its culinary prowess is at Het Gebaar, a gingerbread style restaurant specialising in artisanal lunch and desserts. Led by Dutch pastry chef Roger van Damme, its signature dishes include a cacao bean, served with a gavel for breaking the crispy shell, and a sphere champagne mousse with pear compote. Popular picks on the equally inventive savoury menu include the ‘Croquette sandwich’ with mousse of pickles, the steak tartare of tuna with avocado, and the BBQ chicken marinated in sake.

For fine dining, Hertog Jan’s interiors of poured concrete walls and shale seating have been cleverly designed to let the food be the star of the show. Its menu is Omakase, a Japanese term which translates to ‘I leave it up to you.’ Guests hand their trust entirely over to the chef, with each course emerging from the kitchen as a surprise. Dishes are based on West Flemish ingredients and use global culinary techniques; think roasted pigeon and creamy shrimp. 

The haute cuisine continues at Fine Fleur, which offers a set menu inspired by the seasons. Seafood such as monkfish, scallops and plaice make regular appearances, along with duck, Norway lobster and foie gras.

For a less formal dining experience, Bar Bulot serves a fusion of French and Belgian dishes around a lively open kitchen. Seafood again dominates the menu of this contemporary brassiere, so be sure to keep that in mind if your clients aren’t fans of fish. 

An underdog of Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp’s dining scene is Catalpa, the cheerful breakfast room on the ground floor. While it may not be Michelin-starred, this elegant space could brighten up even the dreariest of mornings with its high ceilings, leafy plants and botanical decor. Guests can choose from a buffet of fresh fruit, smoothies, pastries and cereals, or order a heartier meal of fluffy pancakes or omelettes from the a-la-carte menu. 

It’s important to note that, while dishes can be adapted in exceptional circumstances with prior notice, Hertog Jan does not cater to allergies, intolerances or dietary restrictions.

Botanical Wellness   

The Health Spa at Botanic Sanctuary is renowned for being Belgium’s leading destination spa, and it’s easy to see why.

Nestled in a lush botanical garden, this urban retreat is inspired by the property’s apothecary and offers treatments rooted in traditional Chinese and European medicine. I was fortunate enough to receive the Renew and Radiance facial, which involved a 100% lactic peel to cleanse my pores followed by cell regeneration and an emulsifying application. I emerged with newborn supple skin and a commitment to never let blackheads back into my life again. 

As for its fitness facilities, there is an 18-metre swimming pool housed in a glass conservatory dome and a fully-equipped gym with stunning views of the property. There is also a large whirlpool, a sauna, steam room and multiple relaxation rooms (it’s worth noting that children are only permitted to use the pool between 7am and 9am).